Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
The BA with a major in political science requires 30 hours of political science courses passed with a grade of C-or-higher and a maximum of 13 hours below the 30000 level. Any topics courses (31xx3, 32xx3, 33xx3, 34xx3, 35xx3, 39xx3) may be repeated provided the specific subject matter changes. Students intending to pursue graduate work in international or comparative fields are encouraged to continue foreign language study beyond the 20000 level. A minor is required. Any minor approved for the BA degree is acceptable.
Degree Requirements
Choose three (3) of the following:
- POSC 10133: American & Texas Government OR POSC 20123: Introduction to American Politics (students cannot receive credit for both 10133 & 20123)
- POSC 20093: Scope and Methods of Political Science
- POSC 20203: Introduction to Political Theory
- POSC 20303: International Politics
- POSC 20403: Introduction to Public Law
- POSC 20503: Introduction to Comparative Politics
Choose one (1) political theory or methods course (32xx3 or 39xx3):
- Topics in Political Theory
- Western Political Thought: Renaissance to the Age of Ideology
- Distributive Justice
- Applied Ethics
- Justice
- Global Justice
- Democratic Theory
- Ancient and Medieval Political Thought
- Topics in Political Science Methods
- Survey Research
- Game Theory in International Relations
- Foreign Policy Analysis
- Case Study Research
- Experimental Methods in Political Science
- Interviews and Ethnography in Political Science
- Choose five (5) courses at 30000 level or above (15 hours)
- Choose any political science course for 3 additional hours
A maximum of 6 hours, may be applied toward major requirements:
- POSC 31990 International Residential Study
- POSC 33023 International Organizations Research
- POSC 34073 Moot Court
- POSC 40003 Senior Honors in Political Science
- POSC 40910 Washington Internships
- POSC 40960 Civic Literacy Internships
- POSC 40970 Independent Study in Political Science
The three-hour seminar taken in conjunction with the Washington Center Internship Program may be counted in addition to six hours of internship credit.
For students who declared their major before fall 2023, see the previous BA in Political Science requirements.